CAPE TOWN - Advocate Jennifer Williams has been appointed to conduct an external investigation into the veracity of sexual assault allegations against suspended Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde on Tuesday said that the province’s lawyers had approached the State Attorney, requesting that independent legal counsel be appointed to look into the matter.
Winde on Wednesday announced that Williams has been assigned.
“We have now received confirmation that Advocate Jennifer Williams has been appointed to conduct the investigation.
“I will communicate the outcome of the investigation and take such steps as may be necessary or appropriate upon its finalisation.
“I have full faith that this investigation will be conducted with the integrity that it deserves,” Winde said.
Young employees who had worked in Fritz’s office had apparently come forward to shed light on the allegations which relate to sexual assault of his own staff which dates back to last year.
According to a media report, four more provincial government officials who were working with Fritz, have been suspended in connection with the scandal.
The ANC in the Western Cape said it would approach the police to lodge a case against Fritz.
The party in the province has also called on Winde to remove Fritz from the executive completely.
ANC provincial spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni said that Fritz had been accorded the role of protecting the communities in the province and creating safe conducive environments particularly for women and children.
Cape Times